Tomkins looks for greater solidity

James Tomkins is focused on concentrating on the basics as West Ham United look to bounce back at West Bromwich Albion next weekend.

The defender said the 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday was disappointing for everyone as he thought, despite missed chances, the Hammers deserved to get something from the game.

"It was very disappointing for all of us. I think we deserved something out of the match and a draw would have been the right result, so we all came off very disappointed," the No5 explained.

"Apart from their penalty, there were a couple of other penalty decisions that might have happened, one in the first half and one in the second for us, so could have gone either way really. But at the end of it all, it just didn't happen for us on the day and we need to just go again now and look to our next match, at West Brom."

The Baggies are next up for the Hammers on Saturday in the last-but-one away fixture of the season and Tomkins says it is the simple things that the team just need to focus on.

He continued: "Of course it will be a tough match at West Brom next week, as they are fighting for points to stay up and we're not quite there yet mathematically. We just have to concentrate on the basics, keeping clean sheets and scoring goals, those are the main things.

"Penalties have been going against us more this season, so maybe we might get one going for us in a game and little things that turn for you and give you that boost.

"We have got three games left but will be looking to get points in our next match first of all and then look to get what we can to end the season as strongly as possible."

The Hammers No5 also paid tribute to Dylan Tombides, whose sad passing was marked by a number of tributes around the match at the Boleyn Ground against Crystal Palace.

The players wore black armbands in respect for Tombides but the emotions around the match were very personal for all who knew the young Australian striker.

Tomkins' team-mate Mark Noble admitted the two of them were talking after the match, saying the atmosphere and tributes made for an emotional but significant tribute to his memory.

"I think as a club, the fans, everyone who knew Dylan, it has been great we could pay tribute to Dylan as much as we can. I knew Dylan and his family well, they are a lovely family and he was a great lad who battled really hard to overcome his illness," Tomkins said.

"I think everyone knows how much Dylan was held in regards as a person and a player and he will never be forgotten here at the club."